Cannes 2025: The Starriest Film Festival Ever?

2025-05-12 00:01:02.552

For a fortnight every May, Cannes hosts more stars than there are in heaven. This year's festival promises even more glitz and glamour, with a massive Hollywood presence. Tom Cruise returns with "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," while Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d'Or. Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest" and Ethan Coen's "Honey Don't!" will play out of competition. The competition for the top prize features a mix of established and emerging filmmakers, including the Dardennes brothers, Sergei Loznitsa, Lynne Ramsay, Wes Anderson, Joachim Trier, Jafar Panahi, Kelly Reichardt, and newcomers Carla Simón and Mascha Schilinski. Seven women directors are nominated for the Palme d'Or, a positive step for gender representation. Ari Aster makes his Cannes debut with "Eddington." Beyond the main competition, actors are stepping behind the camera, with Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, and Harris Dickinson directing their own films. The festival also addresses global events, including the Israel-Hamas war. The festival's film market will likely discuss the potential impact of President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films. Cannes's recent success in aligning with the Oscars adds to its prestige. The festival's ability to launch breakout hits remains its greatest asset.